Overcoming Barriers to Teamwork, Even with Remote Workers

Teamwork, whether with a live team or a remote one, can be challenging. As a result of the health concerns surrounding the worldwide pandemic, this is a time of fluctuation and innovation for many companies.

Workers have had to adapt to modern technology bringing them together. Now more employees and businesses are having to engage with each other remotely than ever before. Teamwork allows workers to be productive, engaging, and collaborative–in or out of the office. Here are some tricks to make it successful.

 

Communication 

In a shared office, communication is simple, but not always easy. While one can get up and walk to a coworker’s space, or chat online through secure channels, clear communication still takes effort. Numerous classes, webinars, and papers have been written on the art of communication, and we all work on it on a daily basis with those closest to us both professionally and personally.

Many remote workers can feel isolated, so communication is key in these situations. Those who work remotely have more limits to instant, face-to-face communication. Studies are even showing that video chat fatigue is a real thing that disorientates us!

To facilitate better communication, consider creating chat rooms that are laid out so that urgent matters are easy to access. Non-urgent matters in emails and chats can bury important information for each team. Make sure that this source of communication is easy for everyone to use and that they are all linked with one another as well as project managers. Continually gather feedback on how to improve communication, and make needed changes.

 

Community and culture 

Communicate your values and those of the team. Shout-out to the team members who display those values and encourage one another to stay on course. Survey your members a few times a year to make sure your team keeps to the vision and goals. Ask for feedback, and implement ideas while giving credit to those due.

Talking together about challenges allows forward momentum as a team. Make sure there is room for socialization and getting to know each other on a deeper level. Everyone needs a break now and then, so make sure there is a place for everyone to have “off-topic” discussions, as it will bring your team closer together and make use of everyone’s strengths.

 

Use tools on hand to collaborate

Remote workers can feel like they’re left out of the loop when they aren’t in-office with the rest of the team. Make sure that you make use of all the tools available to create a seamless cohesion for everyone. The best tools make sure that everyone is able to make comments and suggestions and feel heard. They can also keep everyone on the same page when it comes to progress on a project.

 

Treat your team well

Offer great perks that everyone can have access to. Not working in-office means your remote teammates won’t have access to the on-site gym or free lunches and pool tables. Get creative! There are many things that can be done to help people who don’t come into the office! Try gift cards to a local coffee shop, or a drawing for a professional house cleaning service, so they can focus on their jobs and not the home they’re working from.

 

Take the time, and reap the benefits

Making the effort and taking the time to create bonds between your teammates will offer advantages to everyone involved. Your team will be more productive, and everyone will feel heard and like they’re an effective part of your company. Use the tools available, brainstorm, and come up with new ideas, do what it takes to bring your workers closer together, and you’ll be surprised at how far you progress.

Looking for your best and brightest team members? Let CNS (Colorado Network Staffing) help you with recruiting and obtaining talent in this competitive market. As a sole human resource provider for our clients, we save you time, energy, and money by providing experience, resources, and top-level management for your staffing needs. Contact us today at 303-430-1441.

Recent Posts

Archives